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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-15 DTPC MIN DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 15, 2012 REGULAR MEETING 8:30 P.M. Chairwoman Pelletier called the meeting to order at 8:35 p.m. Present: Chairwoman Pelletier, Commissioners Helmberger, Korte, Anderson, Hopfe Franke, Council Representative Menikheim Absent: Commissioners Johnson and Junker, Parking Enforcement Officer Pasket Staff: City Planner Pogge, Police Chief Gannaway, Community Development Director Turnblad APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Korte, to approve the September 20, 2012 meeting minutes. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Judd Sather Parking Request Community Development Director Turnblad explained that Judd Sather has recently opened an event center in 4,500 square feet of space that he leases at 214 South Main Street. It is available for private parties, small weddings, and concerts with a capacity of around 175 to 250 people. The previous use’s five spaces are credited against the 83 required for the event center, leaving a shortage of 78 parking spaces. Mr. Sather could lease the adjacent US Bank parking lot’s 38 spaces during event hours, but there will still be a deficiency of 40 spaces. Unless these spaces can be leased from other nearby businesses, the deficit will have to be made up by purchasing 40 monthly passes to park in City parking lots, which would cost Mr. Sather $400 per month (at current permit rates). He is requesting that the Parking Commission discount the cost. Applicant Judd Sather reported that the building, which houses his photography studio business, provides a unique backdrop for photography. He has had requests from people who wish to rent it for private events. He does not plan to have a kitchen or serve food, but would use other local businesses for catering if needed. Because he cannot make up the cost through food sales, the cost of leasing spaces at the US Bank location and paying for permits for the City ramp is a hardship and he would prefer to simply direct his customers to use the City ramp. Downtown Parking Commission November 15, 2012 Chairwoman Pelletier commented the proposed charge to Mr. Sather seems excessive considering that customers who use the City ramp would be paying their own parking fees. Commissioner Korte remarked that the process seems inconsistent for this type of situation, with business owners essentially paying into a fund to support the parking system. Community Development Director Turnblad noted that 12 is probably the maximum shortage that any other business has had. Chairwoman Pelletier noted it’s likely there would be vacant spaces in the ramp for events, so in general she doesn’t feel there’s a lack of parking. The issue is how to pay for parking. Mr. Sather suggested he pay the same amount toward parking permits as the maximum that another business pays. Commissioner Helmberger said he feels a monthly parking charge of around $100 is fine if Mr. Sather agrees to direct customers to the City ramp. Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the variance with a $120/month charge, and to revisit the issue once a year. All in favor. OTHER BUSINESS Larry’s Floor Covering Request - Larry O’Connor Community Development Director Turnblad reported that a long-time gentleman’s agreement that Mr. O’Connor could park his van in a space near the old Connolly Shoe Building has become a problem for the new owner of the building. Council Representative Menikheim noted he had tried without success to mediate the problem with Greg Gartner, who owns the Connolly Shoe Building. He feels Mr. O’Connor has waited long enough for resolution. He suggested that the City allow Mr. O’Connor one reserved space near his shop. Larry O’Connor recounted difficulties he had with Gartner Studios employees not letting him use the parking space. He needs to be able to get the end spot so his van is not boxed in. Community Development Director Turnblad stated a sign could be made indicating the spot is reserved during certain hours as in several other spots downtown. Page 2 of 3 Downtown Parking Commission November 15, 2012 Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Chairwoman Pelletier, to designate the first spot to the west in front of Larry’s Floor Covering “Reserved.” All in favor. Update on City Council Decisions - Parking Fines Community Development Director Turnblad informed the Commission that the City Council increased the parking fine to $15. OTHER BUSINESS Community Development Director Turnblad reported on the progress of trail construction. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Helmberger, seconded by Commissioner Korte, to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 a.m. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Downtown Parking Commission will be December 20, 8:30 a.m. in City Hall Conference Room 213. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3